Disclaimer: We don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!

Major Pairing: Seth x Atemu

Character names: In this story, Joey/Jounouchi is referred to as Jono, while Tea/Anzu is referred to as Teana. Atemu, Yugi and Seth will maintain their names. :)

(authors' other notes at the end of this chapter)

The AE Arc Turned Upside Down : written by Yami Val and scarlet wax petal

Prologue

Heliopolis was once, like many other places bordering the Nile, a flourishing hub of civilization, a bustling center of trade and industry where the populace actively engaged in markets of varied natures. In this respect, it was akin to the other Ancient Egyptian cities -- rich, renowned and progressive. But, actually, it was more than just that. At the time of this account, Heliopolis was in its glory, the seat of Egyptian art and culture. The priests had agreed it was because of Ra, the sun god, and Heliopolis, being the center of sun worship, was deemed the most blest.

Anyone could suppose why the Pharaoh had come to this city often. The said activity had become so regular, almost a habit, that it had raised many questions in the minds of his advisors, and even with some of his more inquisitive subjects from among the commoners. Why would the Pharaoh bother so much about one city, no matter how outstanding it was, when he had many other things to think about? They could only assume, but none would say a word to inquire. After all, he was Pharaoh, and he was absolute.

But the young Pharaoh, unknown to them, had similar questions in his mind. Why had he so often come, as if pulled by an invisible string, to Heliopolis? He wasn't too certain. All he knew was that he was looking for something, something that would ease the pain and emptiness that exist within him. But… what would that be? And why Heliopolis, of all places? Well, for one, he was a man fascinated by a good show of skill, and since he recognized the city as that abounding with rare talent, that must be it. However, though many times the populace had been very happy to oblige and to show off a few of its best, the young Pharaoh was still unsatisfied. He still felt incomplete.

He had yet to find what he was looking for. Logic, his pride, should have told him to search somewhere else. But, for some reason (and much to the annoyance of his more impatient subordinates), he insisted on this place. It surprised him, really, that he felt damned certain Heliopolis really had what he was looking for, after he had searched everywhere in it.

Or rather, almost everywhere. Today, the Pharaoh had been unsuccessful in his quest, again. It was the fifteenth time. Most of his companions were thoroughly vexed. Nonetheless, unlike them, he was patient. Taking note of the areas he had searched today, he turned his horse around. There were just a few more places to look, he realized. After taking one more glance at the city, he rode off to the direction of the palace.

Tomorrow would be another day, he thought. Hopefully, tomorrow, his quest would finally end.